How To Keep The Chill In Summer

Posted: 3:44 am Wednesday, June 21st, 2017

By Ann Kelly

When exactly is the first day of summer? That would be today…like there will be a noticeable difference between today and a week ago here in Florida, right? But along with all the fun and games comes some serious problems when you don’t take care of yourself out in all that heat and humidity. The magic word is hydrate and that’s not with soda, alcohol, etc. Both alcohol and caffeine can actually make us feel hotter. It might surprise you to know that spicy foods not only will make us sweat and that can help cool us off. But drinking lots of water is important not only during the summer but all year long. The list of attached tips has some things I’ve never thought of (put sheets in the freezer before making the bed to keep extra cool) but in Ann Kelly’s Kitchen we’re always open to new ideas.

You might be doing a lot more grilling outside to keep the stove off and the kitchen cooler. But remember to be extra careful with that as well. You know the usual drill of making sure it’s a well-ventilated space and keeping hot grills away from other flammable surfaces, and keeping that grill clean to avoid food contamination. Most importantly never walk away from that hot grill. You don’t want the kids to get curious and get hurt.

And then keeping our pets safe in the heat. We’ve read way too many stories of pets being left in hot cars with disastrous results, but there’s more to keep in mind this time of year. They need a cool place to relax and plenty of water as well. But you may forget about what that hot pavement can do to their poor little paws so early morning, or later afternoon and evening walks are best.

Keep cool and keep safe, and enjoy summer in Ann Kelly’s Kitchen.

WORDS OF WISDOM FROM ANN KELLY’S KITCHEN

Summer cooking implies a sense of immediacy, a capacity to capture the essence of the fleeting moment – Elizabeth David, food writer